Despite Dak Prescott's overwhelming success as the Cowboys' starting quarterback, he still hasn't stolen away Tony Romo's job. The starting job in Dallas still belongs to Romo.
At least that's what Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Sunday after watching his team thump the Bengals to improve to 4-1.
"Tony is our No. 1 quarterback. We're going to have the luxury of being able to, I think, see them both," Jones said, per the Cowboys' website. "I don't want to presume that Dak is going to be necessarily healthy, I don't want to presume anything like that. But I welcome the opportunity of having Dak playing at this level and Tony back in excellent health. It's going to be really special for the Cowboys."
And that echoes what CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reported earlier Sunday:
One source asserted that there is "zero chance" that Romo does not start when cleared, pointing to the commitment owner Jerry Jones has made to the veteran quarterback and the bond between the two. The Cowboys' brass believes it will have a more robust, well-rounded offense with Romo back under center, and that he is best positioned to cull the maximum production out of their array of weapons in the passing game.
Thoughts, Tony?
So then, when will Romo be back? That part is still unknown, but more details might be revealed Monday when Romo undergoes an MRI on his bad back.
"I just know that I do expect a good report Monday," Jones said. "I know that Tony is feeling better."
According to the team's website, Jones said that the MRI is expected to reveal good news: His bone should be healed. But that doesn't mean the Cowboys will rush Romo back.
In Romo's absence, the rookie Prescott has guided the Cowboys to four straight wins. Against the Bengals, Prescott completed 18 of 24 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown. He added another score on the ground. Really, he did what he's been doing all season long: playing efficient football and not turning the ball over.
So, given his success and Romo's age and injury history, it's fair to ask if Romo's time as the Cowboys starter is over. But based on Jones' comments, that day hasn't come quite yet.
That also is fair. When healthy, Romo is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. And now the Cowboys know that if Romo goes down (again), they'll have a beyond competent backup to step back in.
